The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) has determined the cause and source of the gas that affected numerous students at José Luis Dubrocq High School in Matanzas. According to Pedro Rizo Martínez, a government-aligned journalist on Facebook, investigators found the incident was triggered by a student who sprayed pepper spray on a teacher’s moped, leading to the substance being inhaled within the school premises.
Edilberto Casanova Armenteros, the General Director of Education, stated that through detailed forensic work, interviews with both students and teachers, the event was clarified, identifying the substance and its origin. During the investigation, authorities seized the spray involved in the incident.
The report indicates that the student later handed the pepper spray to a former student, who discharged it outside the school. The young man subsequently returned the aerosol to the student, who then had the container confiscated. "She mentioned that she never imagined it would have such repercussions and harm her classmates; she only intended to annoy the teacher," Casanova Armenteros explained.
School officials have confirmed that the students involved will face disciplinary measures as outlined in the regulations, in addition to appropriate actions considering the minor’s age. The student claimed she possessed the pepper spray for personal defense. However, its use at school led to the intoxication of 35 students, who experienced symptoms such as vomiting, redness, dizziness, and fainting last Friday in Matanzas.
As a result of the incident, four students were admitted to intermediate care, and twenty others received treatment in various wards at the Eliseo Noel Caamaño Pediatric Hospital, where they were discharged after 24 hours of observation.
MININT experts and provincial Education officials have held meetings with teachers, students, and parents to explain the incident's causes and details of the investigation.
Pepper spray is an aerosol with irritating chemical properties. It contains capsaicin, a chemical compound derived from chili peppers, designed to temporarily incapacitate a person. Exposure to this product causes inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, eyes, and lungs, resulting in temporary blindness, tearing, burning, and difficulty breathing.
Understanding the Incident of Pepper Spray in Matanzas School
What caused the gas incident at José Luis Dubrocq High School?
The incident was caused by a student who sprayed pepper spray on a teacher’s moped, leading to the inhalation of the substance by students within the school.
What were the effects of the pepper spray exposure?
Exposure to the pepper spray resulted in symptoms such as vomiting, redness, dizziness, and fainting among 35 students.
How did authorities respond to the incident?
Authorities conducted a thorough investigation, interviewed those involved, seized the spray, and held meetings with school community members to discuss the findings.